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The operator of Lotto posted a 4.6 per cent decline in first half net profit, with lower sales for its Big Wednesday draw.
NZ Lotteries' profit for the six months ended December was $72.3 million, on a 0.9 per cent increase in sales to $372 million, accounting for one fewer Saturday than a year earlier.
Sales for Big Wednesday, which provided about one sixth of total sales, fell 11.4 per cent to $63.6 million, compared with a very long jackpot run the previous year, said NZ Lotteries' presiding member, John Goulter.
Combined sales for Lotto, Powerball and Strike rose 3.9 per cent to $239.2 million, Instant Kiwi sales were up 3.2 per cent at $56.5 million, and Keno sales were up 6.2 per cent at $12.7 million.
